MY APPROACH
Pluralistic Therapy
The approach I use is integrative, relational, and trauma informed; incorporating a wide range of interventions from different theoretical perspectives. However, it also respects cultural difference and the values, resources, strengths, preferences, and ideas which clients themselves bring to therapy.
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As a pluralistic therapist, I believe there are multiple pathways through which clients can change; that there is no right way to "do therapy"; and each psychotherapeutic approach has its own unique contribution to make. Indeed, consistent findings from psychotherapy research suggests positive client outcomes are not specific to any therapeutic model but related more to common factors such as the strength of the therapeutic relationship, empathy, positive regard, genuineness and client expectations.
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In early sessions, we develop a shared understanding of what you want from therapy. Then, by working together collaboratively, and talking about your preferences and choices, we create a treatment plan that is unique to you.
Throughout the process of therapy, I will be actively seeking your regular feedback to ensure therapy remains focused on your direction of travel or indicating whether we need map a new route.
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What do clients say?
"Thank you for all the help and for listening to me over the last 6+ months. These sessions have made a big impact on how I perceive and manage anxiety, as well as reshaping my learned behaviours and attitudes, i.e. being much kinder to myself. I've had a lot of counselling in the past, but I have found your sessions to be the most beneficial to me, so thanks again!"
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"I am grateful that i took the step to ask for help as I feel I have gained the tools to help me address my anxieties. More importantly having someone listening to me (without judgement) and telling me that it is ok to feel the way that I do has helped massively and has allowed me to accept what has happened and that I can move forward without my pass weighing heavily on my shoulders. So thank you, you have helped me more than you can possibly know. "
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"Counselling allowed me to reach my goal of becoming abstinent from alcohol, helping me to openly discuss specific aspects of my life which I had been unable to talk about with counsellors who did not identify as LGBTQ in a non-judgemental way. "
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"Andrew. You have made a huge difference to my life by listening without judgement and giving me the tools to fight this insideous "big monster" that is alcohol. I will live my life appreciating your support."
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"Hi Andrew, I’d just like to say thank you very much for your help, the last couple of weeks especially you have helped me massively and I’m going to use all the tools you’ve given me and work on myself, I really appreciate it whatever your doing seems to be helping me, again thank you ever so much."
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What do colleagues say?
"Andrew is an exceptional counsellor: highly skilled, experienced, inclusive and compassionate" . - Ms Leeanne McKenna
"Andrew is a genuine, punctual, reliable, respectful, empathetic and compassionate person. His commitment and acceptance of his clients helps provide a stable and safe place which is non-judgemental where they can begin to work towards change." Eileen Gardner
WHAT IS PLURALISTIC THERAPY?
A PLURALISTIC APPROACH TO COUNSELLING DEAF CLIENTS AND WORKING WITH BSL INTERPRETERS
REPORT
If you are a profoundly Deaf client or someone who would like to work with Deaf clients, you may find this report written by me of interest.
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VIDEO
This video, presented by me and interpreted by a BSL interpreter, Yvonne Waddell, may also be of interest to Deaf clients. You can also access it using this link.